Why I Walk
Once upon a time, I had an uncle. I never expected that one day I would be without my uncle - someone who had been around my entire life and loved me as a daughter. When my mom told me that my uncle had full-blown AIDS, I didn't fully understand the scope of the problem. I was only 11 years old and while I knew that AIDS was not a disease to be taken lightly, the gravity of the situation did not sink in until it was very late.
My uncle was like a father to me and my mother's confidante. Despite their considerable age difference, my mom and uncle got along better than any of their other seven siblings. He was my mom's support during the best and worst of times - from helping my mom raise my sister and I, to coming to babysit us in the middle of the night during an emergency. More than anything, though, I remember how much he loved us and even though he could be rather strict with us, I always knew that it was done out of love.
One of my fondest memories of my time with my uncle is of my 5th birthday party. My uncle was a social butterfly and always loved a good gathering - especially if the celebration was on behalf of one of his nieces. In anticipation of my quinceañera(which was not taking place for another ten years), my uncle decided to go all out for my fifth birthday. He took me all over the city to find the perfect dress, the perfect shoes, the perfect hair accessories, the perfect jewelry. Everything I wanted, until I was completely happy. Not even my dad or mom had that kind of patience. He wanted me to feel special on my day, and I did, even before my birthday. I had everything I could want and even more! My fifth birthday was a memorable occasion because of the effort my uncle put into it and I am thankful to have such wonderful memories.
Unfortunately, we never got to my fifteenth birthday while he was still around. My uncle passed away on January 1st, 1995. My mom says there's irony in that. He loved the holidays, all the festivities, and spending time with his family. He was a giving person and always showed up at our doorstep with armloads of gifts for all the kids and his sisters. New Year’s was always about celebrating life and new times. My uncle passed away on a day that symbolizes new beginnings and for us, his family, it was a somber way to initiate a new year. More than fifteen years after his death, we still miss him greatly.
I walk in memory of my uncle, Pedro Antonio Martinez. I walk because I know how painful losing a loved one can be. I don’t want others to lose family or friends to HIV/AIDS. I'm an optimist and hope that one day a cure is found. In the meantime, I'd like to be able to help however way I can. That is why I walk.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
Yani :o)
Post updated 9/15/10